C.A. Taylor Trunk Works XX Professional from November of 1906 and it still has the original labels, not in the best condition I have seen, but the rustic and used look of the trunk just makes me feel like I could touch it and see all the journeys it may have had. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a play back in the day, before there was a Hollywood? Wouldn't be exciting to be able to meet the man who started Paramount Pictures before he was Mr. Hollywood? Maybe it was Mr. Lasky who opened this during one of his Robinson Crusoe's Isle productions. Who knows what this trunk was witness too. Researching this trunk was a bit hard, but the things I learned that had I not found this trunk stuffed away in a shed, I would have never known. Saying goes "You learn something new every day."

Jesse L. Lasky (1880-1958), The First Gentleman of Hollywood. What I have is a trunk from his Robinson Crusoe's Isle production on Vaudeville in 1911. It is empty unfortunately, but it is still a valued piece for any C.A. Taylor and/or Hollywood collector, especially if you are a Jesse L. Lasky admirer! The trunk still retains Jesse L. Lasky's name and the Robinson Crusoe's Isle name on it in very legible writing, THE UNIQUE part of this trunk, is on one side, there is a type-o... instead of there being a "R" the person who stenciled the lettering misspelled Robinson, spelling it Sobinson.

SO if anyone else could enlighten me on more about either Jesse L. Lasky, Robinson Crusoe's Isle or the trunk itself, feel free to let me know, the more I know, the better the tale I can tell. Thank you for looking, hope you enjoyed.

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Comments

trunkman, 4 years agoThat looks like a great trunk! It is actually a "Steamer" trunk due to its size. The steamer trunks are sized to fit under beds in cabins on ocean going vessels. This trunk is high in quality with cast iron slat clamps and fingering. The "rosettes" are beautiful decorative additions that are quite unique and rare. I am excited to see this trunk because I have an oak slat trunk on my site that has similar hardware, but it is not marked as Taylor. There are slat clamps on yours that have taylor markings and some that do not -- which helps me to identify mine. All the stickers and lettering make this a classic exceptional trunk! Thanks for showing it to us!

SherryNorwood, 4 years agoWhy Thank You Trunkman! and I'll admit, I did peek at your trunks!! So glad that this could be of help in identifying a trunk for you... I do love this piece and am glad to have been able to save it from the trash (which was probably where it would have ended up) I am an eclectic collector, a little of this and that, i hope to post some pictures of old oil lamps we have and an old fire extinguisher... I don't have much... yet! ;)

SherryNorwood, 4 years agoI have a question: What would be the best method of restoration for this? I have never done it, but I would love to preserve it without taking away or damaging the value... or even the aged look. I'd love to be able to bring back all the metalwork and the wood to a better luster without losing the patina of the medal and destroying anything else... the canvas is damaged in some area's, but is there a way to brighten that?

trunkman, 4 years agoThere are different views on restoration so I will offer you my opinion -- but I am an amateur on the matter. For the hardware -- it was originally painted black, so repaint is an option -- but I detest black repainted hardware. I would take a fine grade of steel wool and buff off some of the surface rust and then use gun oil on them to get a warm luster. The canvas on yours is unique with the stickers and lettering so I would simply clean it with a soft damp cloth and some warm soapy water. From your picture it is hard to see what kind of shape the wood slats are in. They could be refinished or again lightly cleaned up. Your trunk has so much character and terrific hardware that less is best. Hope this helps a little.

SherryNorwood, 4 years agoThanks trunkman! what about the leather handles? do you know if it's safe to replace those? and would you know of any way to repair the lock? the hinge pin is mangled and it hangs... wish I could post more pictures of it here. I think they should allow for 8 pics be item :)

SherryNorwood, 4 years agooh and what would be good for the lower half of the inside? It's original liner was silky and was done like wall paper.. or should i just take off the liner that's left and clean up the wood... and wanted you to know that the wood slates are still in good condition.

trunkman, 4 years agoHi again -- you can buy new leather handles online so those can be replaced. You have to bend out the nails on the handle pieces from the inside but it is doable. I do not know about the lock -- just to say that many old trunks have broken locks or no keys so it kinda goes with the territory -- depends on how far you want to go with the restoration. Hinge pins can usually be bent back into shape and re-attached. Usually the lining is far gone on trunks so some reline then with cloth or paper. I usually strip down to the wood and leave them without lining but it is a personal preference at that point. The value on your trunk will not be affected much no matter which way you go, and if you are planning to keep in then fix it up the way you wish and enjoy!

SherryNorwood, 4 years agoI was thinking of stripping down to the wood, too. I think it would look so nice showing the wood grain, but I am leaving the area, where the certificate is, alone. I don't want to chance destroying the information. This is something I want to keep and start an heirloom collection for my son to have when I pass on. I want to fill it with odds and ends, trinkets from along the way.
Thanks so much, I great appreciate all your advice, trunkman. I am so excited to start cleaning it up, I'll have to post after pictures when it is all done. :D

trunkman, 4 years agoIt will look fantastic -- good luck with it all and make sure you post the results!